Question of the Day

Should President Trump pardon Michael Flynn?

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This undated photo provided by the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus shows Pennsylvania Rep. Marty Flynn, D-Lackawanna County. Harrisburg, Pa. police said Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2014, that Flynn and another lawmaker were walking to their residence after a late dinner late ... more >

A Pennsylvania legislator exchanged gunfire with a man attempting to rob him Tuesday night near the state Capitol.

Rep. Marty Flynn, Luzerne Democrat, pulled out his handgun and traded fire with the robber after the suspect stopped Mr. Flynn and another legislator on the street. No one was injured in the shootout.

Mr. Flynn, a mixed martial arts fighter who has co-sponsored gun safety seminars around the state, was returning from dinner with other legislators when the suspect confronted them, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Harrisburg police said two alleged assailants were caught a few blocks away, and two additional teenagers were later arrested as accomplices. Jamani Ellison, 17; Jyair Leonard, 15; Derek Anderson, 17; and Zha-quan McGhee, 15, were charged with attempted homicide, conspiracy, robbery, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and carrying a firearm without a license. They were charged as adults, police said.

“We are used to fighting for the people in our districts every day,” Mr. Flynn said in a statement. “We certainly are going to stand up for ourselves and not become victims.”

The newspaper said the incident occurred as the state Senate was preparing to debate a bill that would make it harder for local municipalities such as Harrisburg to enact local gun laws. It would give standing to gun-rights groups such as the NRA and require municipalities to pay legal costs regardless of the outcome of litigation.